Ron Block: A Fresh Look At Bluegrass Banjo DVD by Ron Block. For Banjo 5 String. Methods. Acutab. Instructional video. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 225 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DRB1).
There aren't many banjos players more widely heard, or who have performed before more people, than Ron Block. Working with Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1991, Ron's distinctive banjo sound has become nearly as much a part of the group sound as Alison's voice. Ron has taught in a limited number of workshops, but this is his first instructional DVD of any kind, offering a detailed look at his unique approach to the banjo. This 2 DVD release from AcuTab begins with Ron explaining how he learned, and what resources have been useful to him, plus how he looks at both left and right hand patterns. AcuTab's John Lawless leads him through a discussion of several topics, including tone production, Ron's use of bends and chokes, how he arranges solos, and improvisation. Ron goes into great detail about his practice routine, showing examples of exercises and drills he uses to stay in shape. He discusses how to use a metronome in your practice, with several examples. He also describes a number of guitar techniques and concepts which have informed his banjo playing, such as working within "boxes," or blocks of frets, and learning to visualize and play scales and patterns both vertically and horizontally. The meat of the DVD is in the songs Ron teaches, which are played in a number of keys and tunings. You'll learn Cluck Old Hen, Tiny Broken Heart, Man Of Constant Sorrow, I'll Remember You Love In My Prayers, Everytime You Say Goodbye, Bright Sunny South, My Poor Old Heart and Smashville. Each song is played with a band before Ron breaks it down lick by lick, and is then shown (medium and slow) in a split screen orientation. Three screen orientations are available for the split screen sections, based on whether the left or right hand is of greater interest - or seeing them both at equal size. Two audio mixes are available for the band sections: normal, and banjo-heavy. 3 hours and 45 minutes on 2 DVDs, with tab booklet.

Jim Van Cleve - Become a More Complete Fiddler by Jim Van Cleve. For Fiddle. Methods. Acutab. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD. Duration 240 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DJVC1).
Unlock the secrets of improvising in traditional American fiddle styles with this Grammy-nominated stage and studio master. In only ten years as a professional musician, Jim Van Cleve has made quite a name for himself in bluegrass and acoustic music. He's spent time with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, saw his debut solo CD nominated for a Grammy and toured all over the world with Mountain Heart. He's become a sought-after Nashville session player and one of the most admired fiddlers in bluegrass. Jim covers many things on these 2 DVDs, but they really break into three sections. After some discussion about early learning experiences, AcuTab's John Lawless leads Jim through a discussion on improvising and building solos on a number of popular bluegrass standards. Two songs, Banks of The Ohio and Pretty Polly, are each played and demonstrated in 3 different keys. Before demonstrating the tunes, Jim breaks down the scale and common positions for each key in turn. He shows where to find the melody, and where adjacent double stops are located, as well as licks and phrases that suit each song. Attention is given to both playing a melody-based solo and what a fiddle can do to assist the band sound in accompaniment. He also carefully teaches four songs he has recorded - three of his own (Nature of the Beast, Devil's Courthouse and #6 Barn Dance) plus Bill Monroe's classic Wheel Hoss. After being slowly demonstrated lick-by-lick, they are each shown (fast and slow) in a split screen orientation. A printed booklet with standard notation for each of these songs is included. Two screen orientations are available for the split screen sections, based on whether the left or right hand is of greater interest. Simply switch between them using the Angle key. Over 4 hours of instruction on 2 DVDs.

Tony Trischka - Banjo Bundle Pack. (Tony Trischka Teaches 20 Easy Banjo Solos (Book/CD Pack) with Classic Bluegrass Banjo Solos (DVD)). Homespun Tapes. Book & CD & DVD Package. 29 pages. Published by Homespun (HL.642060).
ISBN 1423436687. 9x12 inches.
Includes the book/CD pack Tony Trischka Teaches 20 Easy Banjo Solos (00699056) and the DVD Classic Bluegrass Banjo Solos (00641567) in one money-saving pack.In the book/CD, Tony Trischka has personally chosen twenty traditional banjo solos that will teach you new ideas and add to your arsenal of licks and techniques. Tony performs each tune slowly, then up to speed, providing invaluable tips and explanations as he goes. By the time you have mastered all of these solos, you'll have acquired the basic skills necessary to play in the styles of Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, Sonny Osborne, and other bluegrass greats.In the DVD, Tony teaches eleven classic pieces. You'll learn them, note-for-note, just as they were played by some of the greatest players in the history of the instrument. By learning these tunes you'll not only expand your repertoire, but in the process will also become more flexible in your ability to mix up various rolls, play in several keys without a capo, and move more freely around the neck. Songs include: John Henry • Sitting on Top of the World • Gold Rush • Bye Bye Blues • Dixie Breakdown • and more.A great value at $44.95!

Adam Steffey - My Approach To Bluegrass Mandolin - Acutab DVD by Adam Steffey. For Mandolin. Methods. Acutab. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD. Duration 260 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DAS1).
This 2 DVD SET From AcuTab contains 4 Hours and 20 minutes of insight, instruction, tunes, tips and technique from this 5 time IBMA award-winning picker. On disk 1, AcuTab's John Lawless leads Adam through a discussion of several topics, including chop rhythm, right hand attack, note spacing, tone/volume, practicing and building speed - with demonstrations of each in turn. Adam then spends roughly 45 minutes describing and demonstrating how you can build a bluegrass-style solo based on the basic melody of a song. He takes 3 common jam tunes and shows how to start with the simple melody and build a solo- in several keys. On both disks, Adam takes great care to present the material in a way that even new pickers can benefit from it. A printed booklet (tab/standard) is included.

Complete Bluegrass Banjo Method Book/CD Set by Neil Griffin. For Banjo (5-String). Methods. Complete. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. Book/CD Set. 244 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.93345BCD).
ISBN 9780786665211. Bluegrass. 8.75x11.75 inches.
One of the very best G tuning five-string bluegrass banjo methods available! The book teaches how to pick out tunes single-string style (one note at a time), how to play chord accompaniment, and how to play solos in the full three-finger, bluegrass style. Topics include note and tab reading, chord background styles, traditional bluegrass techniques, fills and endings, use of the capo, rolls, slides, hammers, pull-offs, choking, harmonics, and up-the-neck playing. In notation and tablature. The CD includes acoustic bass, acoustic guitar, and a rhythm track as well as the 5-string banjo. All songs and most exercises are included in this teaching recording, performed at a tempo that the student should be able to maintain in short order.

Ron Stewart - A Bluegrass Banjo Professional DVD by Ron Stewart. For Banjo 5 String. Methods. Acutab. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DRS1).
Ron Stewart has emerged in recent years as one of the most admired and influential banjos players in bluegrass music. His fluid - almost effortless - style is on display in this DVD, where Ron discusses his thoughts on many aspects of professional-level banjo playing - like finding and playing the melody on a vocal tune and positioning/adapting the right hand for the best tone. AcuTab's John Lawless hosts the DVD which will be of interest and great value to players at all levels of skill or experience. Beginning and interediate players will be able to learn several of the tunes and also profit from Ron's descriptions of finding the melody. More advanced players can tackle some of the tougher tunes, but can learn a great deal from simply watching and listening to Ron's fabulous tone! Ron also demonstrates and teaches a number of songs he has recorded.

Alan Bibey - Master Mandolinist DVD by Alan Bibey. For Mandolin. Technic. Acutab. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DAB1).
Since first hitting the scene with New Quicksilver in the early 1980s, Alan Bibey has been making a name for himself as one of the most creative and technically gifted mandolinist in bluegrass and acoustic music. Subsequent recordings and performances with IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid & Carolina and Blue Ridge have cemented this reputation. In this instructional video from AcuTab, Alan shares his knowledge and insight with players, students and lovers of the mandolin everywhere. This presentation was designed to offer instruction and motivation for players at any level. Less experienced mandolinist will find helpful tips about practice and technique. More skilled players can pick up useful hints on improvisation and accompaniment, along with a number of great tunes and licks! Much of the material will be of interest at any level. A printed booklet is included with both tab and standard notation for the tunes Alan teaches in the video.

The American Fiddle Method, Volume 1 - Fiddle Book/CD/DVD Set. (Beginning Fiddle Tunes and Techniques). By Brian Wicklund. For Fiddle. Methods. American Fiddle Method. Bluegrass & Country. Beginning. Book+CD+DVD. 64 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99471SET).
ISBN 9780786668656. Bluegrass & Country. 8.75x11.75 inches.
Destined to become a classic, this method provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces the concepts and techniques that yields solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations to the tunes and illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. To assist in the development of ensemble skills, chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing are included in this profusely- illustrated book. This book is beneficial for both fiddle students and classical Suzuki violin students. A CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music and aids instruction. This set also includes the companion DVD, in which the author guides you through the basic skills of learning the fiddle and shares his pointers and shortcuts to help you learn faster and more efficiently.

Tony Trischka Master Collection of Fiddle Tunes for Banjo Book/2-CD Set edited by Tony Trischka. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. Book/CD Set. 256 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99583BCD).
ISBN 9780786676316. Bluegrass. 8.75x11.75 inches.
A comprehensive repertoire book of fiddle tunes adapted for banjo, in easy to read tablature, by the renowned player and teacher of the 5-String Banjo, Tony Trischka. For the early picker to the advanced player, this book and its companion recordings on 2 CDs will enable the player to learn by example and broaden their technical range. Fiddle tunes have been adapted for Banjo since the early 1850s. The explorations contained here include a large collection of popular American fiddle tunes and a section of Celtic tunes played in the three major Bluegrass Banjo styles. These Bluegrass, Old Time and Celtic banjo traditions will expand the players' knowledge of the instrument, and deepen their understanding of bluegrass and traditional music. The techniques employed will build the players technical prowess and broaden their enjoyment of playing. And the tunes, both popular and lesser known, will add new variety to the next jam session! Tablature only. --Repertoire of fiddle tunes for the early to the advanced banjo player. --In easy to read tablature with 2 companion CDs. --Expands the players' knowledge of Bluegrass banjo styles and banjo music. --Builds playing skills and adds variety to their playing.

Parking Lot Picker's Songbook - Fiddle Edition by Dix Bruce and Gerald Jones. For Fiddle. Songbook. Parking Lot Pickers. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. Book/CD Set. 280 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.21662BCD).
ISBN 9780786681457. Bluegrass. 8.75" x 11.75" inches.
A collection, for fiddle, of over 200 great bluegrass, old time, country and gospel standards played by jammers and performers all over the world! Melodies are presented with standard notation, lyrics and chords. Learn to play songs written and recorded by the giants of traditional American music: Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson and many more. Also includes step-by-step instruction on how to transpose any song to any key plus tips on fiddling by co-author Gerald Jones! The two CDs include recordings of EVERY song in the book.

Sammy Shelor- Banjo DVD. (A Demonstration & Analysis of an Award-Winning Style). By Sammy Shelor. For Banjo (5-String). Technic. Acutab. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. DVD. Duration 80 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DSS1).
Four-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, Sammy Shelor shares his insight and experience in this 80 minute instructional video. AcuTab's John Lawless takes Sammy through a discussion of such tricky concepts as playing the melody in a roll style, effective roll-oriented backup, filling the holes on a vocal number and finding the best tone. In addition, several songs are presented in a split screen format allowing you to watch Sammy's left and right hands simultaneously. A tab booklet is provided and most examples are played both up to speed and a bit slower. While not a specifically instructional video per se, pickers at even an introductory level will find much to interest and educate in this presentation. More experienced pickers and fans of Sammy's playing will not want to miss this one.

Easy Songs for Banjo by Casey Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22030DVD).
This video teaches easy arrangements of popular banjo songs. The breaks on this new video have been tried and tested by both Murphy and Casey with their live students. Songs include: Old Home Place, Nine Pound Hammer, Salty Dog, Ballad of Jed Clampett, Amazing Grace, and a high break for the standard bluegrass G-C-D-G chord progression.

Vamping: Beginning Banjo Backup by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Rhythm/Backup. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22027DVD).
Vamping - Beginning Banjo Backup Learn how to vamp to all the songs on our Beginners' Banjo Videos. And what is vamping? When you vamp on the banjo, you are playing just chords, no melody. Vamping is what you do when the other person is playing the melody or playing the "lead" or "taking a break," as we sometimes say. These chords are all 4-finger chords made up the neck (in the higher positions on the banjo). When you vamp, these chords are played on the off beat. All of this is explained on the video! On the video, we show you how to make these chords, and we go over the chord changes to each song, one beat at a time. As always, we stress learning to hear and play these chord changes BY EAR. This video is a MUST for the beginning banjo player! Lots of slow playing so you can play along. Ending licks taught for each song.

Intermediate Mandolin, Volume 2 by Murphy Henry. For Mandolin. Methods. Bluegrass. Intermediate. DVD. Duration 105 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.21967DVD).
Now that you know some basic tunes and chop chords you'll love learning these jam session favorites. Folks everywhere like to play these! And these arrangements are not too hard. Murphy takes you through them note by note. D is a fun key and easy to play in! Arkansas Traveler, Soldier's Joy, 8th of January, Liberty, and Whiskey Before Breakfast.

More Advanced Earl by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass. Intermediate-Advanced. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22045DVD).
Earl's "tuner" songs are not as hard to play as you think! "Reuben", with the banjo retuned in the Key of D, is just plain fun to play; and very impressive! How to set the tuners is carefully explained. On "Earl's Breakdown" and "Randy Lynn Rag", Murphy also shows how to play these numbers without the special tuners. "Flint Hill Special", and is also taught. No Tab.

Soldier's Joy and Other Banjo Favorites by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Songbook. Learn Bluegrass by Ear. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22031DVD).
Soldier's Joy and Other Banjo Favorites (formerly titled Playing in C, Volume 2). More great tunes played in C position. (without using a capo) Includes the very popular fiddle tunes Soldier's Joy and Liberty. Scruggs favorites Home Sweet Home, Farewell Blues and Old Spinning Wheel. No Tab. (2 hours).

Rawhide & Other Blistering Banjo Favorites by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass & Country. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22047DVD).
Rawhide and Other Banjo Favorites: - Now on DVD! Been wanting'o tackle these hot jam tunes, but didn't know where to start? Murphy makes it easy! How? 1. By using easy-to-learn variations of basic Scruggs licks. 2. By explaining the hard parts in detail. Don't let mandolin players leave you in the dust when they play Rawhide! Leave them in the dust with Bluegrass Breakdown! Amaze other pickers with Theme Time. And finally, learn Hazel Creek, the theme song of the Murphy Method banjo videos. Bluegrass Breakdown, Theme Time, Rawhide, and Hazel Creek. No Tab. DVD length 2 hours.